Christmas Tree Lighting & Blessing at Martyrs’ Shrine

Christmas Tree Lighting & Blessing at Martyrs’ Shrine

The Martyrs’ Shrine invites local residents, visitors and media to kick off the Christmas season by attending their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Blessing on Saturday, November 21st.  This event is free to attend.

Between 6:00pm and 7:30pm, friends, family and pilgrims are invited to the Martyrs’ Shrine as they illuminate the largest Christmas tree in Simcoe County. The 85ft spruce tree is strung with bright white LED lights and remains lit throughout the Christmas holidays.

The tree will be lit up at 6:30pm.

Reverend Bernard Carroll, S.J. will give a special prayer service and blessing and the church bells will be chiming festive carols. The VOX Huronia Community Choir will also be performing Christmas carols on the steps of the church.

Come and celebrate the start of the season of light with an evening of caroling, warm apple cider and Christmas cheer!

 Media Opportunity:

What:              Christmas Tree Lighting & Blessing

Where:            Martyrs’ Shrine, 16163 Highway 12 West, Midland, Ontario  L4R 4K6

When:             Saturday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m.

Who:               Jesuits and staff of the Martyrs’ Shrine celebrating with the local community

 Martyrs’ Shrine is the National Shrine to the Canadian Martyrs, celebrating its 90th season in 2016, and is a ministry of the Jesuits in English Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here over 350 years ago. It is located in Midland, Ontario, in the heart of the Huron Confederacy of the 17th century. Annually, Martyrs’ Shrine welcomes more than 100,000 visitors from around the world and from all cultural backgrounds to their 75‑acre landscaped grounds. For more information, visit www.martyrs-shrine.com.

For More Information:

Angela Bird

Martyrs’ Shrine
(705) 526-3788
abird@martyrs-shrine.com